Cherki shines in Manchester, but absent from the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Both a prodigy of the round ball at Manchester City since last season and inconsistent with France, especially at the 2026 World Cup, Rayan Cherki, 24, does not appear among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, whose winner will be announced next Monday in London.

Excellence at Manchester City, absence from the Ballon d’Or

Since last season, Rayan Cherki has established himself as one of Manchester City's best dribblers, but he does not appear among the thirty nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. His inconsistency with the French national team, especially at the 2026 World Cup, explains this absence.

On Sunday at Anfield, the Cityzens beat Liverpool 0‑3, and the French number 10 scored the third goal after a decisive cut‑back past Jeremie Frimpong. This performance recalls his offensive impact since his arrival.

Former midfielder Nigel Reo‑Coker praised the young talent on the CBS set.

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“We are seeing a future Ballon d’Or. He has all the qualities and attributes. I like players with character and he has personality. Football needs more Rayan Cherki and fewer robots. To me, he is the player you come to watch play, he shows what he is. I think he can do it at City, he has the talent, now he can do it with the national team, with his idol who is his manager, Zinédine Zidane, who can take him to the next level.”

Zinédine Zidane, manager of the French national team, sees Cherki as a key piece, positioning him as a right‑sided link near the zone of truth. He has been integrated into the heart of the game by Didier Deschamps' successor.

Towards a future Ballon d’Or?

But Cherki himself has the talent to be crowned Ballon d’Or in the coming years, especially if Manchester City retakes the Champions League title. The Norwegian Erling Haaland shares the front line, but Cherki stands out for his creative talent.

Cherki thrives under Zidane, puzzling Manchester City

The identity of the Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed next Monday in London, but uncertainty remains about the victor. For now, Cherki remains off the podium, despite the expressed hopes.